TWINSBURG – The Twinsburg City Council convened for both caucus and regular meetings on May 27, approving emergency insurance renewals and advancing several key ordinances through multiple readings.
Government Operations
Insurance Renewals Approved Council unanimously approved two emergency ordinances for insurance coverage. Ordinance 54-2025 authorizes renewal of liability and property insurance through Love Insurance Agency and the Ohio Plan. Finance Director Christina Conway reported the renewal includes upgraded replacement cost coverage for police vehicles instead of actual cash value, providing better protection if vehicles are totaled.
Ordinance 55-2025 approves cyber security and crime insurance coverage through Travelers Insurance. Both policies take effect June 1, prompting the emergency passage to avoid coverage gaps.
Tax Budget Advances Council gave first reading to Ordinance 56-2025, adopting the 2026 tax budget. Conway noted two new Tax Increment Financing districts approved earlier this year must be included as separate funds, with nine additional TIF districts potentially coming in the future.
Development and Zoning
Ravenna Road Rezoning Ordinance 49-2025 received second reading, proposing to rezone property at 9392 Ravenna Road from C-2 commercial to I-1 intensive commercial and light industrial. The Planning Commission approved the request at their May 21 meeting. A public hearing is scheduled for June 10 at 6:45 p.m.
Companion Ordinance 57-2025 received first reading, requesting Summit County Board of Elections place the rezoning question on the November 4 ballot for voter approval.
Occupancy Program Updates Ordinance 50-2025 advances updates to the Twinsburg Occupancy Program, established in 2004. The changes redefine eligibility requirements, update grant benefits and revise application processes and fee amounts.
Infrastructure and Operations
Sewer Rate Increases Ordinance 47-2025 implements recommended sewer rate increases following a rate study. The proposal includes a 4% increase starting July 1, followed by annual 4% increases through 2030. Post noted rate calculations may be fine-tuned to account for compound interest, potentially reducing the final rates slightly.
Position Title Change Ordinance 48-2025 updates the code to change “public works director” to “director of wastewater treatment,” reflecting charter changes approved by voters in November 2023 that divided the public works department.
Parking Regulations Overhaul Ordinance 53-2025 received significant discussion about new parking restrictions. The measure bans overnight on-street parking in residential districts, prohibits parking on the fire hydrant side of residential streets, and bans street parking during snow emergencies.
Law Director Mark Batdorff confirmed the ordinance now includes specific language prohibiting parking in cul-de-sac turnaround areas. The fire chief reviewed and approved the emergency vehicle access provisions.
Council members discussed enforcement concerns, with police indicating they will provide warning tickets before issuing violations to help residents adjust to the new regulations.
Board and Commission Changes
Community Improvement Corporation Funding Ordinance 52-2025 eliminates annual funding to the Community Improvement Corporation through transient guest taxes and removes the CIC’s responsibility for processing applications and monitoring community reinvestment and occupancy programs.
Sign Regulations Ordinance 58-2025, requested by Councilman Bill Furey, reverts temporary yard sign display time from 120 days back to 40 days. Furey explained the 120-day limit was inadvertently changed during recent code updates and the shorter timeframe provides better enforcement tools.
Architectural Review Board Updates Ordinance 59-2025 moves Architectural Review Board operational details to the administrative code and standardizes the 20% threshold for triggering ARB review across both zoning and building codes.
Community Reinvestment Program Ordinance 60-2025 updates the Community Reinvestment Area program to align with state law and designates the housing officer position correctly after recent title changes.
Memorial Events
Several council members praised the Memorial Day parade and ceremony held May 26. Mayor Sam Scaffidi noted the event was relocated to the church due to downtown construction, which created better crowd gathering and attention. Council President David Post thanked Councilman Furey, a Marine veteran, for his service.
Recognition and Congratulations
Council offered congratulations to high school graduates and recognized Sandy Pensak’s retirement from city hall after many years of service. Mayor Scaffidi also highlighted the second quarter “Muffins with the Mayor” meeting for seniors, featuring Building Commissioner Dale Steenbacher discussing permit requirements.
The mayor reported on the ribbon cutting for Home Appliance, which opened in the former Gander Mountain location. He described the extensive renovation and noted the business offers cooking lessons in addition to appliance sales.
Council excused Councilman Greg Bellan from the meeting as he was attending a graduation.
The regular meeting concluded with council entering executive session to discuss personnel matters and potential litigation.
